The New South Wales Government in Australia has come up with a new strategy to tackle problem gambling, combining all 43 government-funded counselling services under one banner, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The three-year, $2.4 million ‘Gambling Help' plan aims to identify problem gambling early as the state government develops culturally specific anti-gambling communication strategies.

Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Green says early intervention is the answer. “We're always looking to support problem gamblers. We don't want anyone to get themselves into a situation where they gamble beyond their means,” he said. “It's important that we provide support services, it's also important that we recognise the early signs of gambling addiction and work with those who have a problem.”

Greene said the government spends over A$12 million each year on gambling counselling.

He revealed that there are 43 repsonsible gambling organisations in over 200 locations across New South Wales carrying out what he described as “…not only significant, it's very important.”